EXECUTIVE
AGENCIES AND
NDPBS
27. Which MAFF Agencies have direct environmental
impacts such as emissions or significant use of non-renewable
resources?
The main MAFF Agencies which have the potential
to cause direct environmental impacts include the Veterinary Laboratory
Agency (VLA) the Central Science Laboratory (CSL) and the Centre
for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS). Most
emissions are subject to legislative requirements which regulate
their impact on the environment.
In the past, the Central Veterinary Laboratory
(part of the Veterinary Laboratories Agency) was a significant
user of oil to power its central boiler plant. In 1995 the boilers
became dual fired and natural gas is now the fuel of choice. In
the same year, a new incineration plant came on line which has
a waste heat boiler. During the summer months the waste heat provides
all of the site's heating, hot water and steam.
The Central Science Laboratory produces both
air-borne and water-borne emissions in small amounts. Water discharges
are subject to approval by the Environment Agency and Yorkshire
Water. Air-borne emissions include small amounts of solvents and,
whilst no licence is required. CSL employees follow best practice
to minimise such emissions. CSL's only significant use of non-renewable
resources arises from energy usage. Energy efficiency was a prime
consideration in the design of the new laboratory at York. In
addition, MAFF commissioned consultants to produce an environmental
impact study when collocation at York was being considered.
The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Science includes a number of laboratory sites and research vessels.
There are discharges of water used in experimental studies, venting
of fume cupboards to the atmosphere, and the normal operating
effects of ocean-going ships. All discharges comply with statutory
requirements.
28. Has the Department required its Agencies to
identify their environmental impacts and to set policies to address
them?
Agencies have signed up the MAFF Green Housekeeping
Strategy. Specifically, in 1993 when there were plans to expand
the Central Veterinary Laboratory site, consultants were commissioned
to carry out an independent Environmental Impact Assessment. The
report also covered the environmental impacts of existing activities
on such areas as landscape, ecology, water, air, noise, heritage
and archaeology.
The CSL emissions were largely identified in
the environmental impact study referred to in the answer to Q27.
As regards CEFAS, the Agency operates to a policy of minimising
impacts as appropriate to each activity. Because much of the Agency's
work relates to environmental protection (conservation of fish
stocks, prevention of pollution etc.) there is a natural awareness
and sense of responsibility in the way that the work is carried
out.
29. Has the Department considered setting relevant
Agencies a target for emissions and publicly reporting compliance?
The Department has not considered setting its
Agencies a target for emissions and publicly reporting compliance.
However, returns are made as required under consents for discharges
and for the monitoring of gases from incinerators. Results reported
are then in the public domain.
30. How have the NDPBs responded to your invitation
to take up the question of greening their operations and addressing
their energy efficiency?
The impact which many of our NDPBs can have
on energy efficiency and greening measures generally is extremely
limited. Some are very small organisations and occupy only a few
rooms in offices run by other organisations. They do not contribute
to the energy efficiency campaign as such with its 20 per cent.
target. However, in the past we have had positive responses from
many of them on energy efficiency and where it was appropriate
some signed up to the Corporate Commitment to Energy Saving. Kew
Gardens for example won a BETA award for energy efficiency. On
greening matters generally, we have also had some positive reactions
from the Wine Standards Board, the Covent Garden Market Authority
and the Meat and Livestock Commission. For the latter in particular
their initiatives included paper recycling, the removal of halon
fire extinguishers and the control of vehicle emissions. We will
re-approach all our NDPBs as we develop our policy.
